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September 22, 2007
Yuppies in Hippieville
The Cook family checked out the Common Ground Fair for the first time today. We've talked about wanting to go for a long time, but Peter was a little twitchy about being a rather yuppie conservative at an event known for its Petouli-wearing, dreadlock-sporting crowd. :) But as we've said to each other several times in recent years, things like organic farming, practicing good stewardship of the earth, and creating beauty by keeping old folk crafts alive certainly do not belong to Liberals only. In fact, one could easily argue that they fall right in line with what it means to be a Christian.
Having a fairly successful garden this year has warmed my city-boy husband up to the idea of fresh veggies and getting back to the earth. Words like compost have become a part of his vocabulary. These new interests combined with his desire to introduce Natalie to new things caused him to brave the left-wing throngs today.
We hit the animal pens first and took our time going through them, enjoying Natalie's response, which was mostly very serious study. We took in some sheep dog trials that made me want to read James Herriot again, and saw a "Donkey Jump" which was really quite comical. Most of them did more of a "step over," but they did so with heart.
Natalie's favorite were the draft horses, and she fussed when we turned to go, so we stayed a little longer. She got to hear her first real horse whinny, a loud one too. But she was not startled or phased one bit...that's my girl.
Peter hit the political tent hoping to stir up a debate while Nat and I sat on the grass outside snacking. He returned disappointed saying that everyone was "too nice". He'd given some money for Africa and got a little carved zebra for Natalie.
The craft tents were amazing, such a feast for the eyes. Didn't buy anything, but filled my head with ideas.
The children's area was great, and we look forward to bringing Nat in future years when she can appreciate it more. They had the simplest and best activities...pounding nails into boards, jumping from hay bales, threshing hay, painting on huge pieces of paper, making crafts, watching apple cidering.
On our way out we hit the farmers' market and bought some herbs and jalapenos to make salsa with our own tomatoes.
The drive home was beautiful up 202 with the fall colors emerging.
Now the girl is crashed out, and we are soon to follow. A good full day. And it turns out it's not all dreads and petouli after all :)
Posted by Shannon at September 22, 2007 09:43 PM
Comments
Oh my! I'm so jealous! That sounds JUST like our kind of family day. Soooo fun! I'm glad you guys had such a blast. Everything is so much more fun seen through our children's eyes, eh? Such fun! Love you guys! - Ame
Posted by: kevame@verizon.net at September 24, 2007 02:07 PM